Opening Birthday Card from Grandma

Future Doctor?

I think Joy may have a career in medicine down the road, though she'll have to learn how to use that stethoscope properly. 

Happy Birthday Joy!

Today Joy turned 1 year old.  Last night as I was rocking her to sleep, I thought about how far she's come and how blessed I am to have her in my life.  She arrived a bowl of jello, fought through difficult obstacles with reflux, food allergies, and a feeding tube, and now she can crawl, stand, cruise (a little), wave high, clap, smile and eat.  She still makes my heart melt!  What a journey it has been and I pray that my little Joy will continue to grow and thrive many years ahead.  

And it's a...

Well, you can figure it out for yourself!

Attack of the Joy

I had a rough weekend to say the least.  On Saturday I sliced off part of my finger and on Sunday my daughter attacked me while I was resting on the floor. 

Maybe we should have fed her more at dinner =P

 But at least she followed it up with a kiss. 

I'm Gonna Catch You

Selena is now 5 months pregnant and it's been hard for her to take care of Joy with her chronic back and hip pain.  Even carrying Joy upstairs is difficult these days.  But Joy loves to be chased around so what can she do?  I guess Selena has to be creative.  =P   Enjoy this clip of Selena "chasing" Joy while sitting down. 

Joy is crusing right along

Joy's playful personality is just oozing out of her now.  She will be a year old in a few weeks and it's hard to imagine how much she has grown.  We are so proud of her!

Recently, Joy has been standing for long periods of time while leaning up against a cough.  This past week she started to cruise back and forth, with a little help and motivation such as her favorite toy, ipad, or phone. 

And for her daily exercise, she can "zoom" in circles with the assistance of a toy.  It's been great because we can stick her in there and clean up, eat, etc.